A problem presented by a computer science professor at Memorial University in Newfoundland has some students feeling uncomfortable.

In a Jan. 20 assignment, instructor John Shieh asked students to write a prolog program to determine whether a fictitious rape victim named Heather would attempt suicide, given that she is bullied online and no one shows her compassion.

Candace Simms, the student union’s director of external affairs, told the radio station VOCM News she was appalled by the assignment and thought it trivialized sexual assault and mental health issues.

Mark Abrahams, the dean of the faculty of science, said the school is investigating student complaints.

“I can assure you we are taking this matter very seriously,” he said in an e-mailed statement. “The particular assignment question has, understandably, raised concern throughout the Memorial community and beyond. It does not reflect the vision, mission and values of our university.”